Let It Go - Peter Walsh Page 0,47
extended profiles of the people throughout this book who have successfully downsized (like Meg’s story on here). Some of them have been through painful struggles. Several became very emotional as they shared their stories with me. But the pain they endured during their downsizing-related events came with solutions to their hurt, as well as an improved ability to grab the fresh opportunities that awaited them.
It’s okay to envision the emotional turmoil that may occur as you downsize. But give yourself the chance to also look past it to the rewards you’ll enjoy afterward. The upheaval you’re dealing with will be short-lived. The gift it’s offering will last forever.
Reframing tip: Remember that change is frightening, and the only way over it is through it. One way or another, you’re going to get through this downsizing milestone. You might as well do it calmly and purposefully.
#9: I’m afraid of damaging the planet.
This is a fear—more accurately, a sense of guilt—that people often describe to me. They worry that their downsizing will create yet more garbage. If this one’s bothering you, let me help you think about it a little differently.
This downsizing move is an opportunity for you to help as many of your possessions as possible find a new life. It’s never been easier to put vintage clothes, pop-culture memorabilia, books, well-loved furniture, and other items into the hands of someone who will use and appreciate them. Advertise them on Craigslist, eBay, or The Freecycle Network. List them in your employee newsletter or donate them to your church or a local thrift store.
For as much as Americans throw away (more than 260 million tons went into landfills in one recent year, according to a 2015 study), our nation also creates an abundance of crafty individuals who enjoy reusing and recycling. Jot down on a sticky note how much you loved and used this object. Or write instructions on how to turn this item into something new, courtesy of Pinterest. Attach the note and let the thing go on to make its next owner happy. (And I do mean let it go. Worrying about what the next person will do with it is a weight that you don’t need and shouldn’t accept.)
Reframing tip: If you’re having trouble shaking your guilt, do something good to balance the scales. Plant some trees. Donate a little more to an environmental organization. Pick up some trash from your new community, or volunteer a few extra hours for an organization that improves our society.
In the past two sections, I’ve been helping you get mentally and emotionally ready for your downsizing process. (If you’ve been exercising to prepare for the physical challenge of downsizing, congratulations!)
The preparation period has now come to an end. In the next section, you’ll put all that planning into action!
LET IT GO EXERCISE 6:
Explore Your Downsizing Fears
Today, think about whether the idea of getting rid of any of your possessions makes you feel any of the common downsizing fears. Then trace those fears back to see if they lead to any sadness, anger, or guilt.
If you plan on keeping these items, is it solely because you’re feeling a SAG emotion? What steps can you take to let these items go—along with the emotions that are attached to them?
PART THREE
It’s Time to Downsize
We’ve now reached a fork in the road.
Thus far, I’ve been showing you the basics of how to downsize thoroughly, which means working through the possessions in your home, the burdens cluttering your mind, and the connections between them. This is stuff that everyone needs to know, regardless of why they’re downsizing.
With these tools, you’ll be able to work with more speed and less distress when it’s time to sort your stuff into “keep” and “let it go” piles.
And that time has arrived!
To proceed, please choose the correct chapter for your downsizing situation.
If you’re downsizing your own home, continue to Chapter 7.
If you’re downsizing your parents’ home, skip to Chapter 8.
If you’re downsizing anyone else’s home, such as a close friend or other family member who has departed, Chapter 8 will provide the best directions to follow.
If any information is useful for both scenarios, I’ve included it in both places, so you won’t miss anything by focusing on just one chapter.
CHAPTER 7
DOWNSIZING YOUR OWN HOME
Hello there! How are you feeling today? Are you well rested? Energetic? Does this feel like a good day to start sorting through your things and packing boxes?
I hope so!
You’re about to scan your eyes across all your possessions, then